UNION COUNTY — It would be an understatement to say that kids endured a lot of heartache this past year, with COVID-19 being responsible for canceling a lot of fun, including sporting events, proms and family vacations.

At its May 4 meeting, the Union County Board of Education (BOE) recognized Forest Hills High School senior Trinity LeGrand with the John H. Crowder Service Award for May.

Three students from Union County Public Schools (UCPS) have been selected for the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship. Layah Clinton, Kabir Dewan and Hudson Shank were among the 36 Morehead-Cain Scholars chosen from North Carolina. A total of 76 were selected from the world.

UNION COUNTY — The state of North Carolina has now reached half of its adult population who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 50.01% of the state’s population who are 18 or older have received at least one shot, through May 5.

MONROE — Nearly a year since local organizations and faith groups organized a Unity March in downtown Monroe following the death of George Floyd — a victim of police brutality — the Enquirer-Journal reached out to Bishop Osco E. Gardin, Jr., of Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church (503 Mauric…

UNION COUNTY — Atrium Health Union hospital celebrated Nurses Week this week by recognizing the hard work and effort nurses put into caring for their patients.

UNION COUNTY — Nearly a month has passed since Governor Roy Cooper announced all adults 18 or older were eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. During the period of April 8 to May 4, 16,764 in the county received at least one dose of the vaccine, or an average slightly over 620 per day. The total …

UNION COUNTY — With restrictions on outdoor masks lifted last Friday, the state continues to watch trends with COVID cases and progress on vaccinations. Across North Carolina, 7,300,216 doses of the vaccine has been administered with 49.6% of the adult population in the state having received…

UNION COUNTY — Union County Public Schools (UCPS) announced Porter Ridge Elementary teacher Hannah Park is the school system’s 2021 Teacher of the Year. Recognized alongside Park was her colleague from Porter Ridge High School, Dylan Chavis, who was named the 2021 Beginning Teacher of the Year.

UNION COUNTY — Atrium Health Union was among five Atrium hospitals named to Newsweek’s 2021 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals.

UNION COUNTY — State trends and vaccination progress led Governor Roy Cooper to end restrictions on outdoor mask wearing and increase the limits on gatherings, an executive order that went into effect on Friday (Apr. 30). Across North Carolina, 7,167,631 doses of the vaccine has been adminis…

MOUNT OLIVE — Analise Ritter of Waxhaw recently received the Outstanding Agriculture Student of the Year award at the University of Mount Olive, according to a release by the University.

RALEIGH – Gov. Roy Copper announced Wednesday (April 28) a new executive order that ends the state’s requirement for wearing masks outdoors and increases mass gathering limits.

UNION COUNTY — Over the past week, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) has reported an additional 3,189 individuals who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot in Union County. The total number to be partially vaccinated in the county is now 62,8…

Red Can Media, a digital marketing and video production company based in Union County, recently learned its short documentary “Sheltered” is an “Official Selection” for the 2021 Longleaf Film Festival.

MONROE — The Union County Alumnae Chapter (UCAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. announced it had presented six debutantes at its April 10 cotillion program. UCAC’s hosted the honorees, their parents and chapter members for its seventh annual event through a virtual format themed for 202…

RALEIGH — Monday night Gov. Roy Cooper delivered his third State of the State address. The speech highlighted North Carolinians’ resilience throughout the pandemic and called for legislators to work together to help the state rebuild by expanding Medicaid, raising teacher pay, investing in w…

WAXHAW — Holding back tears and emotion, Fire Chief Greg Sharpe, announced the passing of Captain Ronald McGarvey who died on Monday, April 26.

According to a social media post from Waxhaw Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, McGarvey’s death was “sudden.” It happened at around 8 a.m. while he was on his way home after work. A deputy with the Union County Sheriff’s Office “initiated care” and Waxhaw Fire Department rendered aid.

“Despite their best efforts, crews were unable to revive Captain McGarvey,” the social media post read. McGarvey died at Atrium Health Waxhaw later that day.

Sharpe shared that crews initially thought McGarvey was the first to arrive at the emergency situation. They were “shocked” to learn it was he who needed help.

McGarvey served the Waxhaw Fire Department for 18 years starting as a volunteer firefighter, Sharpe said. Then he served as an EMT before being promoted to Captain.

“He was one of those you could depend on,” Sharpe said.

“He gave everything he had to his community. He’d want us to press on,” Sharpe said, “He was selfless. He didn’t expect you to say thank you.

Captain McGarvey’s death will be considered a Line of Duty Death.

UNION COUNTY — A Union County employee was recently recognized for going “above and beyond” her job requirements to care for a child in foster care.

There is neither a requirement for identification nor proof of residency when getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Also, the vaccines are free, Dr. Ashley Perrott said when answering the most common questions people have about vaccinations.

UNION COUNTY — Governor Roy Cooper announced last week the state may soon see a lifting of COVID-19 emergency rules if vaccination trends remain positive. Cooper said the lift could come on June 1.

UNION COUNTY — 25.4% of the county’s total population is now at least partially vaccinated against the coronawvirus (COVID-19), according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS).

A recent Elon University Poll finds most state residents continue to support keeping Confederate monuments on government-owned property.

On Wednesday (April 21), Gov. Roy Copper signed into law legislation introduced by N.C. Rep. David Willis (R-Union) to recognize April 24th each year as “Wounded Heroes Day” in North Carolina. The new law was inspired, in part, by a Union County veteran who was critically wounded in combat.

Gov. Roy Cooper raised the possibility Wednesday of lifting COVID-19 emergency rules regarding masks, mass gatherings and social distancing on June 1 if vaccination and infection trends remain positive.

UNION COUNTY — Through April 20, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) reports 59,637 in the county have been partially vaccinated. The 24.9% compares to 37.2% of the state’s total population who are at least partially vaccinated. In the county, 45,734 or 19.1%…

MONROE — Dandelion & Friends Mercantile (Dandelion) was born out of a friendship between two young women who quickly became friends last June. Hannah Harris and Karsyn King met at the Union County Farmers Market that month and by Nov. 7 they opened Dandelion.

RALEIGH — On Monday (Apr. 19), North Carolina’s Attorney General Josh Stein called on OfferUp, an online mobile marketplace, to act immediately to prevent fraudulent or blank COVID-19 vaccine cards from being sold on its platform. The effort was said to be a continuation of a fight against u…

KILL DEVIL HILLS — The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the National Park Service announced on Tuesday (Apr. 20) the launch of the first self-driving vehicle to be tested at a recreational public lands site in the nation.